Jan
01
2012
Mar
31
2012
Jan
01
2013
Mar
31
2013
Jan
01
2014
Mar
31
2014
Jan
01
2015
Mar
31
2015
Jan
01
2016
Mar
31
2016
Cool Off at Jamaica's Dunn's River Falls
Published by Spencer Spellman, Writer
Country: Jamaica 
The Experience
Dunn's River Falls in Jamaica is a Caribbean treasure, and one of the island's most popular attractions. Up there with Jamaica's reggae music and white sandy beaches—is Dunn's River Falls: a hallmark of Jamaica. You may recognize the Dunn's Falls in pop culture, as these Jamaican waters were filmed in famous movies, including Cocktail with Tom Cruise, and James Bond's Dr. No.
Dunn's River Falls in Ochos Rios, attract thousands of locals and tourists each year, offering an alternative way to cool off than heading to the beach. Formerly a small fishing village, Ochos Rios is located on the north coast of Jamaica, and is a highly populated tourist area. Ochos Rios is also a port of call for cruise ships.
Although Jamaica is known for its many waterfalls, Dunn's River waterfall is certainly the most celebrated, and a hit among tourists. Stretching to a height of approximately 1,000 feet, the falls do not flow straight down to the base. Most of the falls are terraced, emptying out into small lagoons. Because of its unique terraced landscape and lagoons, Dunn's River Falls is one of the most unique falls in the Caribbean, if not the entire world. Although it has been untouched over the decades, there have been some man made improvements to make it the landmark it is today.
Simply put, visit Jamaica's Dunn's River Falls with the expectation that you're going to get wet. Families and kids tend to enjoy sticking around the basin and playing in the lagoon, but the most popular activity is hiking up the waterfall, which is typically done with a guide. Groups of people lock hands to take the hike up the side of the waterfall. Bordered by thick vegetation and beautiful flora, walking up the fall offers great photo opportunities that are unparalleled in the Caribbean. There are several observation decks spread along the cascading falls that offer photo opportunities.
Dunn's River Falls in Jamaica is especially popular among large groups and families, although younger kids are suited better for the lagoons and not so much for the hike up the falls. Apart from the waterfall, Dunn's River Falls Park offers more trails for the people who don't want to get wet but still see want the beautiful flora it has to offer. Make a day of it and bring food for a picnic, or guests can visit the park's cafeteria, which offers snacks and light fare.
Dunn's River Falls in Ochos Rios, attract thousands of locals and tourists each year, offering an alternative way to cool off than heading to the beach. Formerly a small fishing village, Ochos Rios is located on the north coast of Jamaica, and is a highly populated tourist area. Ochos Rios is also a port of call for cruise ships.
Although Jamaica is known for its many waterfalls, Dunn's River waterfall is certainly the most celebrated, and a hit among tourists. Stretching to a height of approximately 1,000 feet, the falls do not flow straight down to the base. Most of the falls are terraced, emptying out into small lagoons. Because of its unique terraced landscape and lagoons, Dunn's River Falls is one of the most unique falls in the Caribbean, if not the entire world. Although it has been untouched over the decades, there have been some man made improvements to make it the landmark it is today.
Simply put, visit Jamaica's Dunn's River Falls with the expectation that you're going to get wet. Families and kids tend to enjoy sticking around the basin and playing in the lagoon, but the most popular activity is hiking up the waterfall, which is typically done with a guide. Groups of people lock hands to take the hike up the side of the waterfall. Bordered by thick vegetation and beautiful flora, walking up the fall offers great photo opportunities that are unparalleled in the Caribbean. There are several observation decks spread along the cascading falls that offer photo opportunities.
Dunn's River Falls in Jamaica is especially popular among large groups and families, although younger kids are suited better for the lagoons and not so much for the hike up the falls. Apart from the waterfall, Dunn's River Falls Park offers more trails for the people who don't want to get wet but still see want the beautiful flora it has to offer. Make a day of it and bring food for a picnic, or guests can visit the park's cafeteria, which offers snacks and light fare.
When to Go to Dunns River Falls
Located in the Caribbean, visitors can really visit Dunn's Falls anytime of the year, and typically enjoy nice climate. The rainy season begins in May, so either late in the year, or early in the year, is the best time to escape rain showers. With its convenient location near the north coast, visitors can get to the park and the falls in no time. Try arriving early in the day to beat some of the crowds and make a day of your trip to one of the most popular falls in the world.
Odds n' Ends
If you're planning on being anywhere near the falls themselves, wear clothes that are appropriate. This means a swimsuit and appropriate shoes. Aqua socks or other alternatives are recommended for playing in the lagoons and walking up the falls. Flip flops and slip-on shoes are likely to get lost and are not recommended. The park has aqua socks for rental for people who don't have their own. Children under the age of 8 are not recommended to take the hike up the falls. For those younger children, they can still play in the Dunn's River Falls basin and explore other areas of the park.
Recommended Places to Stay
- ClubHotel Riu Ocho Rios
- One of Jamaica's newest hotels, the ClubHotel Riu Ocho Rios is one of the closest hotels to Dunn's River Falls. Situated off from many of Jamaica's entertainment districts, guests can enjoy the intimacy. The all-inclusive hotel is beachfront, offering over 800 rooms with great views of the ocean.
Additional Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
Shaw Park Beach Hotel is designed in a colonial style located on a 1,500 feet stretch of private beach on secluded Cutlass Bay. The hotel ... 1 miles away
$12350 JMD+
We offering you a natural and realistic Jamaican living at home experience. Teresinajamaica is a unique privately staffed Bed and Breakfast Chalet on the historic ... 1 miles away
+ 23 others. Show all.
More Experiences Nearby
- Pet a Ray at Stingray City in the Grand Cayman Islands
- The first thing you'll hear as you approach Stingray City in the Cayman Islands is the shrieking of dozens of tourists. This howling is a mixture of terror and pure excitement, as this experience brings you about as close as you are ever going to get to the very interesting (albeit very odd looking) southern stingray. Wading through the shallow waters on a sandbar in the Caribbean Sea, visitors to Stingray City are able to swim, feed and touch southern stingrays. Making the first move to touch a ray will certainly take some audacity, but after you've done it once, ...281 miles away.
While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
An interesting and informative presentation on the dolphins is first, before your personal trainer takes you for an unforgettable 30-minute swim with two playful,friendly dolphins, ...2.57 miles away via Ocho Rios.
$195+
Your dolphin encounter begins with an interesting and informative presentation. You?ll get to swim, dance and play with a dolphin all while witnessing the creature?s ...2.57 miles away via Ocho Rios.
$129+
+ 22 others. Show all.
Carpe Diem! Book to do this experience now!
After browsing through the many craft markets and duty free shops in Ocho Rios, you’ll take a tour of the Wassi art factory, where local ...
Starting from $47.00 per person.
Starting from $47.00 per person.
Books and DVDs
Elsewhere on the Web
Travel Insurance. Simple & Flexible.
Language Guides
Portugese 
,
Spanish
are some of the languages spoken in Jamaica. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!
Discussion
Experienced this and have something to share? Experienced something like this somewhere else? Looking for advise or travel companions? Use this space to leave your mark. Our writers and editors are more than happy to help answer your questions.
People who wish to experience
Recent Tweets
Listed below are the most recent comments made on Twitter for "dunns river falls":
